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Key details about Jessica Finkel < Back to Candidates Jessica Finkel Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 28 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Production strategist at a digital agency supporting political candidates Description: Finkel’s top issues include educational equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, public safety, accessible transportation, public and mental health and affordable housing. She supports “liveable wages and access to proper resources for all teachers,” expanding early-childhood education and youth workforce pipelines and ensuring county dollars lift families rather than creating bureaucratic barriers. She emphasizes environmental justice, renewable energy programs and protecting air and water quality, particularly in frontline Black and brown neighborhoods. On public safety, she advocates for community-led strategies, law enforcement accountability and ending fear-based policing practices, while also prioritizing expanded affordable transit, sidewalks and bike lanes. Her website calls for expanding mental health crisis services, preventative healthcare and workforce housing while preventing displacement of long-time residents in historically marginalized communities. Other personal: Finkel moved to Mecklenburg County in 2019 with her husband. She has lived in District 1 for the last 2.5 years. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). Age: 28 Education: Bachelor's in Public Relations and Bachelor's in Sustainability Studies from the University of Florida Current Occupation: Production Strategist Where I live: North Charlotte, near Huntersville Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters. I bring a combination of community-rooted leadership, policy understanding, and a deep commitment to equity and civil rights. I understand how the county decisions affect people’s everyday lives, and I have spent my entire career advocating for justice and a safe, healthy future for all people. And while this is my first time running for public office, I’ve been the Co-Coordinator of the Charlotte hub of the Sunrise Movement, Secretary of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, and an active member of Jewish Voice for Peace. My on-the-ground organizing experience gives me a strong understanding of what’s going on directly in our communities and helps me stay connected to their needs. Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. In 2023, I worked with a coalition of organizations from across North Carolina to create energyfundsforall.org, a website designed to get Inflation Reduction Act funds in people’s hands. Over the course of the year we broke down what funds were available, how people could access them, what forms they needed to fill out, who could access what funds, and talked directly to local governments and community organizations to get an idea of what they needed most. Since the launch of that website, we’ve helped homeowners, renters, non-profits, and more access the funds and do everything from lowering their energy bills to installing solar panels in their communities. We must prioritize getting already available funds in people’s hands. Many funds are already there, our communities just don’t know about them or how to access them and as commissioner I will use my learnings from creating energyfundsforall.org to collaborate with local organizations to improve the education gap on what funds are available. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? While I haven’t received any yet, I have had wonderful conversations with the Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council, LGBTQ+ Dems, and Charlotte Muslim Caucus and look forward to continuing my partnerships with them. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? I’ve lived in Charlotte for the past 6.5 years and in my district for 2.5 years. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. I’m an incredibly avid reader and love frequenting bookstores around Mecklenburg County. I’ve participated in the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl for several years and always love getting to visit new stores and interact with new people. It’s what inspired me to host events at bookstores, to meet people where they are and talk with them in a space that feels comfortable to them. I’ve said again and again, reading is political and if we continue to support our local bookstores we will continue to support an educated populace who cares about one another. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Richard Dansie < Back to Candidates Richard Dansie Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 53 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: NA Description: The homepage of his website describes his campaign as "courage over socialism." He believes in limited government and the key issues on his website are to restore the family, promote equal justice under the law, rebuild masculinity and purge pornography and perversion. Other personal: Dansie is an Army veteran and an IT engineer. He lives in Durham. There is no record of him voting in North Carolina prior to 2020. He joined the military after graduating from high school and his website says he was born and raised in Utah. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Ben Cox < Back to Candidates Ben Cox Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 66 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Attorney Description: Cox's website lists the following platform: knowledge you can trust, serving the community and effective leadership. On his Facebook page he states that he is the only self-funded candidate and the only attorney in the race. He is running because he believes the clerk's office is "badly in need of new leadership." Other personal: Cox has been in a private law practice for 24 years. His law office has been voted best in Cabarrus County for the last five years by CommunityVotes Concord. Cox is also the vice president of a nonprofit board that supports literacy. He is married and has one daughter. Cox earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Montreat College and worked for Duke Energy for 17 years. He then went back to school and earned a law degree from Campbell University. Candidate Website Candidate Video Interview Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Note that candidate responses are verbatim and have not been edited. Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am 66 years old and a 30 year resident of Cabarrus County. I have been married for 23 years and we have one daughter. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Montreat College. I was employed with Duke Power for 17 years before leaving to attend the Campbell University School of Law. I graduated law school in 2001, passed the NC Bar exam and went directly into my own practice here in Concord where I still continue to practice. I also took and passed the SC Bar Exam in 2005 and am currently on active status and licensed in both NC and SC. In addition, I am the Vice-President of a 501(c)(3) that promotes literacy, a former adjunct professor of business law at Montreat College, former Board Member of the Cabarrus County Teen Court and Mediation Board and former Teen Court volunteer Judge. My law firm was voted the Best Law Firm/Best Attorney for five consecutive years. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I am running because the Cabarrus County Clerk’s Office is overdue for a change and badly in need of new leadership. The office requires someone with a legal background that is not only familiar with the law but also who has a working knowledge of the law and how to find the law when the law is in question or being argued before the Clerk and how to apply it to the facts and circumstances before them. I am the only licensed attorney in the race. I held multiple leadership roles while employed at Duke Power as well as in my involvement in the judicial system and in private practice. Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. My office was voted Best Attorney and Best Law Firm for five consecutive years. I have also handled approximately 40,000 cases during my 24 years in private practice without a single complaint to the State Bar and maintain a 4.9 rating on Google. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? My goals during the first six months is to have the right people in the right positions. I also intend to restore morale, integrity, competence, transparency and ethics to the office. I also plan to meet with all the stakeholders that have interactions with and rely upon the office to see how the office can assist them and, in the process, produce a more productive, efficient and smooth operation of the legal system in Cabarrus County. All stakeholders, most importantly the public, should expect and, in fact, deserve service that is not just good, but great. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Marcus W. Williams < Back to Candidates Marcus W. Williams Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 72 Previous experience in elected office: None; various unsuccessful runs over the last 10+ years including U.S. Senate in 2022 (see below) Occupation: Attorney Description: Williams does not have an updated website and he did not respond to our outreach. In a survey from a previous election , he said he wanted to ensure strong job growth, provide high quality health care and increase affordable housing options. He also said at that time he views himself as "a moderate, skillful, renaissance statesman." Other personal: Williams has run for a number of roles in recent elections including N.C. Governor (2024), U.S. Senate (2022) and U.S. House (NC-9). He has never made it past a primary. He has practiced law in Minnesota, North Carolina and Pennsylvania over the last four decades. Williams has a bachelor's from UNC Chapel Hill and a JD from the University of Minnesota. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire In response to our questionnaire, Williams responded with the following comments: "My vast experience has been chronicled in past political campaigns (for example, 46 consecutive years of practicing law in 3 States and the stellar administration/leadership for 17 years of Legal Services Programs - Regional & Statewide - for 17 years). Further, the FOUR Community Economic Development initiatives and work products that have been successfully implemented can best be discerned by the eye of the voter. The creation & construction of 79 units of HUD 202 housing for the elderly and impaired particularly speaks to addressing the central issue of affordability in each household. I request that you allow them to speak for me." < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about David Conrad < Back to Candidates David Conrad Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 49 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: “fractional marketing leader” and consultant Description: Conrad describes himself as a “lifelong conservative Republican” and wants to focus on improving infrastructure, keeping taxes low and “protecting what makes Cabarrus County special.” Other personal: Conrad moved to Cabarrus County in 2003 and is a father and grandfather. He was the president of his homeowners association, which he said on his website has 300+ homes. He worked in the licensed apparel industry and also worked at TIAA and MetLife, according to his LinkedIn profile. He enjoys photography in his spare time. He attended Patrick Henry Community College. Candidate Website Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Note: The following responses are verbatim from the candidate and have not been edited. Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live) . I am 49 years old and live in Concord, Cabarrus County, where I have been a resident for over 20 years. I attended college and built my career through hands-on experience rather than a formal degree. I currently work as a marketing strategist and small business owner, with experience helping organizations grow through strategic planning, communication and fiscal discipline. I am actively involved in the community through volunteer work, local leadership roles and civic engagement. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I’m running for Cabarrus County Commissioner because I believe county government should focus on core services, fiscal discipline and clear communication with taxpayers. As Cabarrus County continues to grow, we need smart, responsible planning that protects residents from unnecessary tax increases and government overreach. I bring a private-sector mindset to public service. I’ve owned and operated small businesses and work as a marketing professional, where budgeting, accountability and return on investment matter. I currently serve as president of my homeowners association, where I oversee budgets, reserves and long-term planning while improving infrastructure and communication without raising dues. I also serve as a GOP precinct chair and county delegate. Voters should choose me because I am practical, accessible and focused on results. My goal is a lean, transparent county government that manages growth responsibly and protects the taxpayers of Cabarrus County. Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. 1. Running real businesses: I’ve owned and run several small businesses, which means leading, managing expenses and fixing problems when things don’t go as planned. That experience taught me to be practical, make decisions based on facts and respect every dollar, because it was my own on the line. 2. Serving my church and community: I volunteer through my church and local community, giving back where I live and raise my family. Those experiences reinforced my belief that leadership starts with service, listening and showing up to help, not seeking attention. 3. Building plans that actually work: In my professional career, I’ve built and executed strategies that helped organizations grow revenue and improve how they serve customers. That means setting clear goals, measuring what works, fixing what doesn’t and staying focused on results. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? In my first six months, my focus would be restoring fiscal discipline to the county budget. Cabarrus County is facing a growing deficit and delaying action only increases the burden on taxpayers. I would advocate for a line-by-line review of spending, cutting or delaying non-essential expenses and refocusing the budget on core services. The goal is simple: live within our means, protect taxpayers and make sure every dollar delivers real value to the people of Cabarrus County. Cabarrus County includes both fast-growing communities and areas facing economic challenges. How would you guide county policy and investment decisions to support balanced growth and opportunity across the entire county? Cabarrus County is growing fast in some areas while other parts are working to catch up. The county’s role should be to plan ahead, make smart infrastructure decisions and avoid growth that drives up costs for existing residents. I would focus on basic needs like roads, public safety and utilities and support job growth that makes sense for the community. County investments should strengthen the tax base and improve quality of life without asking families to pay more to fix problems that could have been planned for. County government plays a central role in funding public school facilities and long-term capital needs. How would you approach decisions related to school capital investment to ensure facilities keep pace with growth, support student success, and remain fiscally responsible for taxpayers? [Editor's note: Candidate provided the same response to this question as the one above] Cabarrus County is growing fast in some areas while other parts are working to catch up. The county’s role should be to plan ahead, make smart infrastructure decisions and avoid growth that drives up costs for existing residents. I would focus on basic needs like roads, public safety and utilities and support job growth that makes sense for the community. County investments should strengthen the tax base and improve quality of life without asking families to pay more to fix problems that could have been planned for. A strong workforce depends on more than jobs alone. It is shaped by access to education, child care, and community resources. How would you use the county’s role to support workforce participation and quality of life for Cabarrus County residents? A strong workforce starts with removing barriers that keep people from working or advancing. The county can help by focusing on the basics: good schools, reliable infrastructure and access to practical job training that matches local employer needs. I believe the county’s role is to support partnerships with schools, community colleges and local businesses to prepare people for real jobs, while making sure county services are efficient and accessible. When families have dependable services, safe communities and a growing local economy, quality of life improves and more people are able to participate in the workforce. The goal is simple: help residents succeed without growing government beyond what’s necessary. Economic growth is essential to maintaining a strong tax base, supporting public services, and creating opportunity for residents. How would you approach county-level policies and investments to ensure Cabarrus County remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses while managing growth responsibly? I believe economic growth helps keep taxes low and services funded. The county’s role should be to make Cabarrus County a place where businesses want to invest because it’s stable, predictable and well run. That means keeping taxes low, focusing on core infrastructure and avoiding unnecessary red tape. It also means supporting existing businesses so they can grow and hire locally, instead of relying on costly incentives that don’t always pay off. If we manage growth responsibly and create a business-friendly environment, we strengthen the tax base, create jobs and protect the quality of life for residents across Cabarrus County. While counties do not regulate businesses in the same way as the state or municipalities, county policies can still influence the cost and ease of doing business. How would you consider the impact of county decisions on the business community? County decisions affect businesses through taxes, fees, infrastructure and how efficiently services are delivered. I would evaluate policies by asking whether they make it easier or harder for businesses to operate in Cabarrus County. An efficient, predictable county government lowers costs, encourages investment and supports job growth, which strengthens the tax base without putting more pressure on taxpayers. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Nichel Dunlap < Back to Candidates Nichel Dunlap Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 46 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Nonprofit CEO Description: Dunlap lists transportation equity, mental health infrastructure, workforce access and advocacy for underserved and working-class communities as her top priorities. She argues that “transportation is not about roads—it is about opportunity." She is a former Charlotte Area Transit System operator and states that operator and commuter safety must be treated as a central public responsibility. She also calls for county policies to aid with mental health that move beyond crisis response and more toward sustainable, preventative systems. She mentioned public safety as a pressing community issue in an interview with The Charlotte Ledger; her nephew was killed in Charlotte in 2024. She is endorsed by The Charlotte Observer. Other personal: Dunlap was born and raised in Charlotte and grew up in the Southside Homes community. She is the author of a self-published self-help book . Her nonprofit Eye of a Dove serves local residents who are aged 65+. She studied communications at Queens University of Charlotte, earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Central Piedmont Community College and also attended Union Presbyterian Seminary. Candidate Website Video Interview with The Charlotte Ledger The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 6 Stallings Mayor Town of Stallings Council District 1 Stallings, NC is primarily in Union County. Only two precincts, 136 and 221, are located within Stallings town limits. According to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office, 243 registered voters in Mecklenburg County will be eligible to vote for the candidates below whose jurisdiction stretches to small slivers of Mecklenburg County. Most of the Stallings Town Council Districts are four-year terms, except for District 1 which is a two-year term. The population of Stallings is 16,000 and the median household income is $106,000. Council District 1 Candidate

At-Large District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Charlotte City Council District 7 The council member who represents District 7, Ed Driggs, is one of two Republicans on the council. He is running uncontested. The district includes the Ballantyne and Rea Farms areas in south Charlotte. In the district, 44% of registered voters are unaffiliated, 28% are Republicans, and 26% are Democrats. Only voters in a given district can vote for their district representative. Each member of the Charlotte City Council serves a two year term. Key issues for the council now include public safety, following the August murder of a Ukrainian woman on a light rail train; affordable housing; and land use decisions related to the city’s growth. The city also runs departments including the airport, police and fire, transportation, garbage/recycling, water, planning, neighborhood services and others. The city oversees the Charlotte Area Transit System. If the transit tax referendum passes, a new regional transit authority will be in charge of the transit system, and the City Council’s role will be limited to appointing people to a portion of the new authority. City Council District 7 Candidates

At-Large District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Charlotte City Council At-Large The Charlotte City Council has 11 members, plus the mayor (who presides over council meetings). Members of the council serve two-year terms, and all of the roles are up for election this year. Charlotte voters will select four at-large council members – candidates who run citywide – from the six candidates on the ballot. The four at-large Democratic incumbents were the winners in the primary and face two Republican challengers. Charlotte’s registered voter mix is 39% Democrat and 19% Republican, and 40% are unaffiliated. Key issues for the council now include public safety, following the August murder of a Ukrainian woman on a light rail train; affordable housing; and land use decisions related to the city’s growth. The city also runs departments including the airport, police and fire, transportation, garbage/recycling, water, planning, neighborhood services and others. The city oversees the Charlotte Area Transit System. If the sales tax referendum for transportation passes, a new regional transit authority will be in charge of the transit system, and the City Council’s role will be limited to appointing people to a portion of the new authority. City Council At-Large Candidates

Key details about Alma Shealey Adams < Back to Candidates Alma Shealey Adams Party: Democrat Incumbent: Yes Age: 79 Previous experience in elected office: U.S. Congresswoman (2014-present); N.C. House member (1994-2014); Greensboro City Council (1987-1994); Greensboro School Board (1984-86) Occupation: U.S. Congresswoman Description: Adams has been a Congresswoman for the Greensboro and Charlotte regions for 12 years and was a legislator in the N.C. General Assembly for 20 years prior to that. Her priority issues are what she calls 4Hs: housing ("housing is a fundamental human right"), hunger (including legislation to strengthen federal nutrition programs and encourage public-private partnerships.), healthcare (particularly black maternal health), higher education (she says she is known as "the godmother of HBCUs"). Adams is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Other personal: Adams is a former teacher and art gallery director. She is a mother and grandmother. She attended high school in Newark, N.J. Adams has bachelor's and master's degrees from N.C. A&T State University and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I received my B.A. and M.A. degrees in Art Education from North Carolina A&T State University, and earned my Ph.D. degree in Art Education and Multicultural Education from The Ohio State University. I currently live in Charlotte, and I am 79 years old. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters. I am currently serving my 6th term representing the 12th District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives. I began my civic career by becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the Greensboro City School Board. I then served 9 years on the Greensboro City Council, followed by 10 terms in the N.C. General Assembly. After winning a special election in 2014, I was sworn in as the 100th woman elected to the 113th Congress. For me, there are four necessities that all people require to live a quality life – affordable and accessible healthcare, access to healthy and nutritious food, fair and affordable housing, and a quality, first-class education. These essentials, which I call “the 4H’s,” should not be political issues; they should be rights guaranteed to all people. I believe this because I know personally how hard it is to survive without them. I’ve never forgotten where I came from and I’ve always striven to be a Congresswoman who opens doors of opportunity for all people. I will continue to be a stakeholder representative who fights to make Congress focus on the issues that matter most to the people of my district. I am the only candidate in my primary race who lives and votes in the 12th district. I have demonstrated the knowledge, skill and ability to do this job and have shown, through my service, the capability, accountability and success in delivering billions of dollars in resources and essential legislative wins for the 12th District. I love my work. My experience, the seniority I’ve gained, and my demonstrated ability will be essential in winning the House back for Democrats. Restoring the US House back to Democratic control is essential to save our democracy. Now is not the time for inexperience or “on the job training.” Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. As co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, along with Rep. Lauren Underwood, I have led efforts to combat high mortality rates among Black women during childbirth and pushed for the Momnibus, a package of twelve bills focusing on better maternal health outcomes and reducing the disparities in women’s health. As co- founder and chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU caucus, I have led the fight to keep Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as sustainable options for low-income, first-generation college students – just like myself. I have been extremely effective thus far, and have every reason to expect that my work in the next term will continue to be fruitful. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? In past elections I have been honoared to be endorsed by the North Carolina AFL-CIO, the NAE, Equality NC, NARAL, EMILY's List, Planned Parenthood, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, the Progressive Caucus of the NC Democratic Party and many other Unions and local activist groups. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? I have lived in the 12th District of North Carolina for over a decade. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. Over the years, I’ve become well known for my work representing the people of the 12th district of North Carolina, and also for my hats. For me, hats are about more than just fashion. Hats speak to the confidence I have in myself, and the self-esteem that I have. I started wearing hats as a young girl in church and it's a tradition that stuck with me into adulthood. Now, I never leave my home without one. I made them a part of my daily wardrobe. Even when I taught for 40 years at Bennett College, I wore berets or tams in my art studio. When I served on the Greensboro City Council for 9 years and in the North Carolina House of Representatives for 20 years, I wore a hat every day as an elected official — even in the House Chamber for votes. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Robbie Waldrop < Back to Candidates Robbie Waldrop Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 48 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Gaston County Police Department 911 Communications Director Description: Waldrop announced his candidacy in April 2025. He says, "As Sheriff, my goal would be to ensure transparency is applied consistently throughout every aspect of the office." If elected, he says he would implement a Civil Service Board, which would be made up of citizens of Gaston County and provide a "fair and structured review process for serious disciplinary actions, including termination." He believes that current law enforcement employees do not feel comfortable discussing their concerns for fear of being terminated. He said the most significant issue facing the sheriff's office is staffing and that they need more staff at the jail focused on employee retention, which builds morale. He said he prioritizes fiscal responsibility and would bring a "frugal" approach as sheriff. He said he'd also prioritize running the jail more efficiently. He said he also believes law enforcement needs to do a better job of building trust with Gaston County's diverse communities (ex: community engagement and positive interactions with law enforcement, not just scheduled community appearances like annual parades). Other personal: Waldrop worked for the Gaston County Police Department for 22 years in a variety of roles. Before entering law enforcement in 2004, he worked as a teacher and basketball coach for Gaston County Schools and mentored underprivileged youth. Waldrop is a lifelong Gastonia resident. He started working for the Gaston County Police Department in 2004. Waldrop was a former basketball player for Winthrop University and Lees-McRae College. He is married, a Christian and has two dogs. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about James Weldon Whalen < Back to Candidates James Weldon Whalen Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 32 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Appellate attorney in private practice Description: Whalen is an appellate attorney in private practice. He was a lawyer in the Riggs-Griffin voter case. He says he is "a defender of fundamental rights and the rule of law." He says he is running because everything from "fair elections to reproductive rights to quality public schools" runs through the appellate court. He worked at the N.C. Department of Justice under then-Attorney General Josh Stein. Other personal: Whalen is from Charlotte, where his mother was a former freelancer for The Charlotte Observer. He is married, has a young son and lives in Raleigh. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and UNC Asheville where he was student body president. He has his JD from UNC Chapel Hill. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am originally from Charlotte and a proud product of Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools. I am a graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, UNC Asheville, and UNC School of Law, where I graduated with honors. I now live in Raleigh with my wife and son (with one on the way), dog Sherlock, and cat Clue. I am 32. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters. Our rights are under attack, and we deserve judges who will defend them. I am part of a small group of North Carolina attorneys fighting to protect our rights in high-profile cases, including in the court I am running to join. Last year, I defended Justice Allison Riggs’s victory and stopped a dangerous attempt to steal an election. I previously served as an appellate attorney in Josh Stein’s Department of Justice, where I fought gerrymandering, fought for our public schools, and held domestic abusers accountable. My experience has made me clear-eyed about the threats we face and what it will take to protect our rights. My primary opponent believes that judicial candidates should be silent about issues and not criticize our current Republican majorities. This is the same failed strategy that has led Democrats to lose every Court of Appeals campaign since 2018. If we lose this time, there will not be a single Democrat left on the Court. To win, we must learn from past mistakes and support candidates who will speak clearly with voters about the stakes in this election. Trial judge experience is valuable, but the Democrats who have been successful statewide have not been trial judges. Justice Anita Earls and Justice Allison Riggs did not have judicial experience before joining our appellate courts. Instead, they had experience protecting our rights in our appellate courts. I am the only candidate for this Court of Appeals seat with any Court of Appeals experience. I have defended our rights as an attorney and will protect them as a judge. Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. My law firm was hired in 2023 to protect voters across NC. I recruited and trained nearly 200 attorneys across our state and litigated against six different attempts to disenfranchise voters. On election day, Justice Allison Riggs won reelection, but the losing candidate filed hundreds of protests across all 100 counties. I worked nights, weekends, and holidays for six months to protect our votes, including in the Court of Appeals. To be clear, I did not know or care if the voters I defended were Democrats or Republicans. I only knew that they had followed the rules and were entitled to have their votes count. We ultimately succeeded when we persuaded a federal judge who had been appointed by President Donald Trump to count all lawful votes and recognize Justice Riggs's victory. In 2022, I served in the NC Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General. We were a small group of five appellate attorneys tasked with litigating the most consequential cases involving NC. That year, the NC Supreme Court held that extreme partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional. Unsatisfied, the NC General Assembly appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. They argued that they were not limited by the NC Constitution and were free to gerrymander as they wished. Our office defended our state constitution and won a 6-3 victory in Moore v. Harper. We won on the law, but lost on the politics. In 2023, a newly-elected Republican majority reversed its prior decision and welcomed extreme partisan gerrymandering back to NC. These experiences have convinced me that the only way to secure our rights is to support a new generation of candidates who have experience protecting our rights in court and who can win these tough elections. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? I am proud to have endorsements from nearly 100 current and former elected officials from across our state, including all five former Supreme Court Justices who have endorsed in this race since I announced my campaign. I am proud to have been endorsed by: - Chief Justice Henry Frye, - Chief Justice Burley Mitchell - Associate Justice Bob Orr - Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson - Congressman G.K. Butterfield - Congresswoman Eva Clayton - Representative Aisha Dew (Mecklenburg) - Representative Jordan Lopez (Mecklenburg) - NC National Organization for Women PAC - Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People - Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association - Guilford County Community PAC - George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC - Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus - Bladen Improvement Association And many more. A full list is available at WhalenForNC.com/endorsements How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? The Court of Appeals is a statewide court, and its judges are elected statewide. I have lived in North Carolina my whole life. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. Our family loves to dance! My wife grew up dancing. I only took one short swing-dancing class in college, but it was enough to win a second date. We wowed our wedding guests with our first dance. Our son inherited his mother’s moves and my music taste, and was the only two-year-old at school to dance to the Blues Brothers. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >